Cortina d'Ampezzo (Italy) (AFP)

"I always had the same chills in the starting gate."

The American skier Ted Ligety, who will retire at 36 after the giant of the Worlds of Cortina d'Ampezzo (Italy) next week, on Wednesday returned to his immense career with AFP.

QUESTION: How do you feel the day after your retirement announcement?

ANSWER: "It's a mixture of emotions. I feel one less weight, it will be my last race, it makes me even more sure of my decision, which was difficult to make. But my last giant will not be a jubilee. I'm going there to try to win. I think I can be a contender, I just hope I can have a good last race. "

Q: How has skiing changed over the past 18 years and the start of your career?

A: "Every year the skiing has improved, there have always been developments in the equipment, the preparation for the races, which made things interesting. But the skiing has remained the same, I have always had the same thrills in the starting gate as for my first World Cup at 19. "

Q: Are you enjoying giant races today?

Q: What would be your advice to young skiers to have a long and successful career?

A: "My advice would be to always try to do better, to take everything in hand. It's a big flaw that I see among some young skiers, they always have an excuse and are not always in control of their program. This is a big part of my success. I have always asked myself questions and looked for the answers to become better. I was never satisfied with what I had, I looked for different ways to to prepare my body, to be stronger or to ski smarter with an innovation. "

Q: If you had to hold back for a moment as a young skier?

A: “One of the things that changed things for me was at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics when I was a pioneer. I realized then that there wasn't that much of a difference. between me, my friends from the FIS races (3rd division of skiing), and these guys who were at the top of their game but who talked and laughed anyway. I realized at that moment that you didn't have to being a robot to do this sport, that you can concentrate on running between the nets and then have fun the rest of the time. "

Q: On some races lately, you have said to yourself + if only I was 27 guys I would have beaten you easily +?

A: "The conditions change too much. It's hard to tell yourself + if I was skiing like before I could have done this or that +. It's like asking if Lebron (James) is better than Michael Jordan. 'There were times in my career when I thought I was unbeatable, no matter where or when. But hey, that was just my opinion (laughs). Two races are never the same, it's impossible to compare the times . There is no world record for giant slalom, you are not in the pool or on an athletics track. "

Interview by Robin GREMMEL

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